Google Cloud has unveiled an ambitious project to establish new subsea cables connecting the United States, Australia, and several Pacific islands, in collaboration with the Australian government. This initiative, known as the South Pacific Connect, involves partnerships with Fiji International Telecommunications, the Office of Posts and Telecommunications of French Polynesia, APTelecom, and the Vocus Group.
The United States government has committed up to $15 million for this project, starting with an initial investment of $5 million, while the majority of the funding, totaling $50 million, will be provided by the Australian government.
The South Pacific Connect initiative comprises two subsea cable lines. The first, named “Tabua” after a sacred Fijian whale’s tooth, will establish connections between the involved countries via Fiji. The second, called “Honomoana,” a Polynesian term combining “link” and “ocean,” will extend a secondary cable line via French Polynesia.
